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In June of the 20th year of the Hongwu reign, banners fluttered at the Ming army camp at the foot of Jinshan Mountain.

When news of Naha's surrender arrived, the entire military camp was in an uproar.

However, the atmosphere inside the central command tent was unusually heavy.

“General, Naha is cunning by nature. There must be something fishy about this!” Chang Mao said loudly, his hand on his waist sword. “This humble general requests to lead his personal guards to protect him in case of any unforeseen circumstances.”

Feng Sheng remained silent for a moment, but Fu Youde spoke up, saying, "What the Duke of Zheng said makes sense. However, if we are too vigilant, it might arouse Naha's suspicion."

Su Ning, who was sitting to the side, suddenly spoke up: "General, Yun Tong has a plan."

"Oh? What is Your Highness's plan?"

All the generals' eyes immediately turned to this young imperial grandson.

These days, Su Ning not only led the students to observe military affairs, but also improved the army's cooking vehicles and medical teams, which has earned him the respect of many generals.

In addition, Xiaoling Academy has become an Eden for wounded soldiers and veterans and a venue for theatrical performances, so Suning now has a strong foundation and prestige within the military.

“Yun Tong has heard that Nahachu’s most beloved grandson is also in the army. Why not summon him and the descendants of the surrendered generals to the school to demonstrate the virtue of education of our Great Ming?”

Fu Youde, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but light up: "This plan is brilliant! It not only shows the magnanimity of our Great Ming, but also makes Naha Chu lower his guard."

"General, I agree as well." Marquis Yongchang, Lan Yu, also gave Su Ning face.

As expected, Feng Sheng nodded in agreement.

Seeing that the Ming Dynasty treated them so well, Nahachu felt a little less anxious.

On the day of the surrender, Nahachu led a group of Northern Yuan generals to the Ming army camp.

Just as the ceremony was halfway through, a strange thing happened...

Suddenly, one of Nahachu's personal guards drew his sword and charged straight at General Feng Sheng!

"Hmph! It was a trap after all!" Chang Mao shouted, his waist knife already drawn.

Almost simultaneously, the protagonist, Nahachu, also reacted, and with a backhand slash, he cut the guard to the ground: "General, don't misunderstand! This man is Yesudier's spy!"

The scene descended into chaos, and Chang Mao's knife was already at Naha Chu's neck.

Seeing this, Nahachu's men drew their swords, and a bloody battle was about to break out.

"Uncle, stop!" At this moment, Su Ning stepped forward quickly and pressed down on Chang Mao's hand holding the knife. "If the Grand Commandant intended to assassinate, why would he come in person? This is clearly someone trying to sow discord!"

"But……"

However, Su Ning ignored his impetuous uncle and instead turned to Naha Chu and bowed: "Grand Commandant, you have been frightened. Since this person is Yesudie's spy, he wanted to sabotage the Grand Commandant's righteous act of surrendering to the Ming Dynasty. The Grand Commandant's act of putting righteousness before family shows his sincerity."

Naha, still shaken, looked at the distinguished young man before him and asked, "And who is this...?"

Feng Sheng quickly introduced, "Grand Commandant, this is His Highness the Third Prince of the Ming Dynasty."

“Your subject Nahachu greets Your Highness the Imperial Grandson.” Nahachu was taken aback and quickly bowed.

Su Ning quickly helped him up, saying, "Grand Commandant, there's no need for such formalities. I heard of your illustrious reputation back in Nanjing, and seeing you today, I can confirm that it is indeed well-deserved."

"You flatter me, Your Highness."

Then Su Ning turned to his generals and said, "It's clear that someone is trying to sabotage the peace talks. If we fall for their scheme, wouldn't it be a tragedy for our allies and a boon for our enemies?"

"Your Highness is right." General Feng Sheng and other generals, including Fu Youde, all agreed.

"..." Only then did Chang Mao reluctantly sheath his sword.

That evening, Suning specially hosted a banquet to help Naha calm his nerves.

After several rounds of drinks, Nahachu sighed, "If it weren't for the Emperor's discerning eye, I would have suffered an unjust accusation today."

Su Ning laughed and said, "Haha, since the Grand Commandant has sincerely submitted, he is one of our own. Although Yun Tong is young, he understands the principle of not using those you doubt and not doubting those you use."

He then changed the subject: "However, Yunhu is curious about how Yesudie'er's men managed to infiltrate the Grand Commandant's personal guard?"

As expected, Nahachu's expression changed, and after a moment of contemplation, he said, "To be honest, Your Highness, this man has followed me for many years. If he has been bribed... I'm afraid it won't be an overnight success."

Just then, Jiang Huan, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard who was accompanying Su Ning, hurriedly entered and whispered a few words in Su Ning's ear.

Su Ning remained expressionless, then explained to Naha, "Grand Commandant, there's some news you should know. We've captured several spies who were trying to spread rumors in the camp. After interrogation, they confessed that they were acting on the orders of a high-ranking official."

Nahachu was furious: "What? So someone really wanted to use someone else to do their dirty work!"

"Grand Commandant, please calm down," Su Ning said calmly. "Yun Tong will report this matter to the Emperor. The most urgent task is to successfully complete the surrender ceremony so that the soldiers can return home and reunite with their families as soon as possible."

"Your Highness is right! Please give your orders."

"Haha, the Grand Commandant's entry into our Great Ming will surely make our Great Ming even stronger."

Three days later, the surrender ceremony was successfully completed.

Two hundred thousand troops were gradually reorganized, thus eliminating the threat to the northern border.

At the victory banquet, Feng Sheng specially toasted Su Ning, saying, "If it weren't for His Highness the Imperial Grandson's keen insight, this would have been a disaster."

Su Ning raised his glass in return: "General, you flatter me. Yun Tong only did what he was supposed to do."

He then looked around at the generals present and said in a clear voice: "These days, I have witnessed the bravery of the soldiers of my Great Ming Dynasty and felt their loyalty to their country. I hereby promise that all the sons of my Great Ming soldiers will have priority to study at Xiaoling Academy, and all tuition and fees will be waived."

An uproar immediately erupted in the tent.

This promise means that children of military personnel have another way out.

Lan Yu said excitedly, "Your Highness is so considerate of the soldiers. On behalf of all the soldiers, I thank Your Highness!"

Chang Mao looked at his nephew with pride in his eyes.

The next day, Su Ning summoned the students of Xiaoling Academy: "You should carefully organize your experiences and observations during your time in the army. After returning to Nanjing, we will choreograph new plays so that the people can know the hardships of the soldiers on the frontier."

"promise."

……

A month later, when Su Ning led his troops back to Nanjing, the army was already filled with the reputation of the Third Prince for his wisdom, bravery, and compassion for his soldiers.

Inside the Hall of Cautious Conduct, Zhu Yuanzhang listened to Feng Sheng's detailed report, his eyes gleaming.

"Yunzhen... he certainly hasn't disappointed me."

Zhu Biao also said with satisfaction, "I have heard that the army is now praising Yun Tong's wisdom."

Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent for a moment, then suddenly looked at Mao Xiang beside him and asked, "Is there any movement in Beiping?"

Mao Xiang bowed and said, "Your Majesty, His Highness the Prince of Yan has been claiming illness and has been staying at home recently."

Zhu Yuanzhang sneered, "Hmph! He does know what's good for him."

After everyone had left, Zhu Yuanzhang stood alone in front of the huge map, his gaze deep and thoughtful.

"Yunhu, Yunhu, your move has both won over the army and thwarted the Fourth Prince's scheme. But..."

His fingers tapped lightly on Beiping on the map, while he murmured to himself with emotion, "The third-generation successor is crucial to the future of the Ming Dynasty. I may have to make you suffer."

At this moment, Su Ning, who had just returned to Xiaoling Academy, was listening to Ma He's report.

“Your Highness, during your absence, the people from the Prince of Yan’s residence have repeatedly inquired about your whereabouts. In addition…” Ma He lowered his voice, “we have found out that the Prince of Yan’s residence has close ties with several prominent families in Jiangnan, and it seems that they are secretly purchasing raw silk.”

Su Ning smiled slightly: "It seems that Fourth Uncle is going to take a different approach."

Should we stop them?

"It's fine, let him do what he wants."

"But Your Highness, the Prince of Yan, clearly harbors ill intentions towards us..."

“Ma He,” Su Ning interrupted him, “you must remember that all schemes and tricks are useless in the face of absolute strength.”

He walked to the window and looked at the majestic Forbidden City: "What we need to change is the entire structure of the Ming Dynasty."

……

In the early spring of the twenty-first year of the Hongwu reign, Nanjing was shrouded in a chilly morning mist.

Nearly half a year has passed since Suning returned to Xiaoling Academy, and he has maintained a surprisingly low profile.

Aside from handling necessary affairs, he spent his days reading behind closed doors, occasionally taking his students on outings at the foot of Zhongshan Mountain, as if he had returned to being that carefree young man.

However, the undercurrents within the Eastern Palace never ceased.

“Your Highness, Yunwen has been living in Xiaoling Mausoleum for almost six years.” Crown Princess Lü poured Zhu Biao a cup of hot tea, her voice gentle but tinged with worry. “He is now ten years old. According to ancestral rules, he should have returned to the palace long ago. Staying away from home for so long may cause gossip.”

Zhu Biao rubbed his temples: "Yun Tong has done a great job outside the palace. Money shops, trading companies, and schools—these are all good things that benefit the country and its people."

“But Your Highness,” Lady Lü leaned closer, lowering her voice, “it is precisely because Yunhu has done so well that he should return to the palace! He is still young, and if he is not guided by elders, he might be taken advantage of by those with ulterior motives…”

Seeing Zhu Biao's expression shift slightly, Madam Lü continued, "Besides, Yunwen often mentions wanting to see his younger brother. Brothers can't remain so distant forever." "This..."

"Your Highness, I am just a woman and I do not know so many profound principles. I just feel a little guilty towards my unfortunate sister Chang."

"Alright! I'll go and calculate for Father."

Meanwhile, Zhu Yuanzhang, inside the Jinshen Hall, was also pondering the same question.

Mao Xiang knelt in the hall, reporting in detail on Su Ning's recent activities: "Your Majesty, the Third Prince's son has been staying at home lately, spending most of his time reading in the study except for handling necessary matters. However..."

"But what?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked without looking up.

"However, the Crown Princess has been frequently summoning several Hanlin scholars lately, and it seems that she is becoming more demanding of the Second Prince."

Zhu Yuanzhang paused slightly in his vermilion brush: "Yunwen is eleven years old this year, isn't he? He really needs to be properly instructed."

"In addition..." Mao Xiang hesitated for a moment, "The Crown Princess has recently made several suggestions to His Highness the Crown Prince, hoping that the Third Prince can return to live in the Eastern Palace."

Zhu Yuanzhang snorted coldly: "Hmph... She's worried that Yunhu's influence outside the palace is too great, and that he'll be difficult to control in the future."

"..."

That night, Zhu Yuanzhang summoned Zhu Biao to the palace.

"Biao'er, do you think Yunhu should return to the palace?"

Zhu Biao cautiously replied, "Your subject believes that Yun Tong is getting older and should indeed return to the palace to receive a more systematic education. Moreover, brothers should be closer to each other."

Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent for a long time before suddenly asking, "How is Yunwen's study lately?"

"Father, Yunwen is diligent and eager to learn, and his teachers all praise him for his benevolence and filial piety."

“Benevolence and filial piety…” Zhu Yuanzhang repeated these two words, his gaze deep. “Biao’er, do you know why I have always tacitly allowed Yuntong to stay outside the palace?”

Zhu Biao was taken aback: "Your subject does not know."

“Because this child is too much like me,” Zhu Yuanzhang sighed. “He is ambitious, resourceful, and capable of achieving his ambitions. With such a personality, he cannot stay in the palace.”

"So, what Father Emperor means is..."

"Let him come back," Zhu Yuanzhang finally decided. "According to ancestral rules, he should be granted the title of Prince. However..."

The emperor's gaze sharpened: "Tell him that now that he's back, he must abide by the palace rules."

"Yes, Father."

……

On the ninth day of the third month of the twenty-first year of the Hongwu reign, the imperial edict arrived at the Xiaoling Academy.

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The third grandson of the Emperor, Yuntong, is ten years old, intelligent and quick-witted, and possesses both virtue and talent. He shall be moved back to the Eastern Palace immediately, granted the title of Prince of the Second Rank, and bestowed with a gilded silver book and silver seal. So be it."

Upon receiving the imperial decree, Ma He said worriedly, "Your Highness, returning to the palace at this time, I fear..."

Su Ning smiled calmly: "What's meant to happen will happen. Make preparations and return to the palace in three days."

"promise."

On the day of his return to the palace, the Eastern Palace held a grand welcoming ceremony.

Lady Lü, accompanied by Zhu Yunwen and several of Su Ning's older sisters, stood in front of the East Palace gate, her smile gentle and kind.

"Yunyi, you're finally back." Madam Lü stepped forward to take Su Ning's hand, but he subtly avoided it.

"My sons and ministers see my mother and concubine."

"No gift."

"Thank you, concubine."

At this moment, Zhu Yunwen stepped forward and said in a feignedly enthusiastic manner, "Third brother, I've had your courtyard all tidied up; it's right next to mine."

Su Ning bowed and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Second Brother. However, Father has already granted me permission to live in Qingyan Pavilion, the westernmost part of the East Palace."

Madam Lü's smile froze: "What? Qingyan Pavilion? That place is far too remote."

"Your subject prefers peace and quiet," Su Ning said calmly. "Besides, your subject is already used to being served by his own people. The people Mother Consort arranges should be left to Second Brother."

"This……"

That evening, Zhu Biao made a special trip to Qingyan Pavilion.

Looking at the familiar faces bustling about in the courtyard, and the small kitchen that had just been set up in the corner, Zhu Biao couldn't help but frown: "Yun Tong, what are you doing? The Eastern Palace has its own kitchen, why set up a separate kitchen?"

Su Ning bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have become accustomed to vegetarian food in recent years and need to eat small meals frequently, so it would be more convenient to have a separate kitchen."

"And what about these servants..."

“They are all old people I used to at Xiaoling Mausoleum, and they know my habits.”

Zhu Biao gazed at his son for a long time before saying, "Yun Tong, this is your home, there's no need to be so wary."

"Your subject understands." Su Ning's tone was respectful, yet distant.

"..."

After Zhu Biao left, Ma He whispered, "Grandson, isn't this a bit too obvious?"

Looking towards the main hall of the East Palace, Su Ning said softly, "In the palace, showing weakness is tantamount to courting death. I want everyone to know that I, Zhu Yunwen, am not a pushover to be manipulated."

……

The next day, Lady Lü still brought a group of palace maids and eunuchs to Qingyan Pavilion.

"Yunyi, these are all palace maids and eunuchs carefully selected by your mother. You should keep a few of them. Otherwise, it will seem like your mother has mistreated you."

However, Su Ning glanced at the meek palace servants and suddenly pointed to one of the older eunuchs: "You, raise your head."

"This servant greets His Highness the Third Prince." The eunuch raised his head, his eyes gleaming.

"Where are you from?"

"Your Highness, I am from Yangzhou."

"Yangzhou?" Su Ning smiled slightly. "Which Yangzhou pickle shop is the most famous?"

The eunuch was speechless for a moment.

Su Ning's face suddenly turned cold: "You don't even know Sanhe Sauce Shop, the most famous sauce shop in Yangzhou, and you dare to call yourself a Yangzhou native? Drag him out!"

Lady Lü's face turned deathly pale: "Yun Teng, what's wrong with you...?"

“Mother,” Su Ning turned to face Lady Lü, his gaze sharp as a knife, “Although I am young, I am not one to be deceived. This person clearly speaks with a northern accent, yet he claims to be from Yangzhou. If Mother has been misled by such a villain, I will not hesitate to clean house for you.”

"you……"

The news quickly spread throughout the entire palace.

Inside the Jinshen Hall, Zhu Yuanzhang listened to Mao Xiang's report and suddenly burst into laughter.

"Good! Good for Zhu Yunwen! He gave Lady Lü a taste of his own medicine as soon as he entered the palace!"

"Your Majesty, should we remind the Third Prince?"

"No need." Zhu Yuanzhang's smile faded. "I want to see what kind of trouble this kid can stir up in the palace."

"promise?"

Inside Qingyan Pavilion, Su Ning was reviewing the account books.

Ma He walked in and whispered, "Grandson, the Prince of Yan's residence has sent congratulatory gifts to congratulate you on being granted the title of Prince."

"Oh? What gift?"

"A jade Guanyin statue."

Su Ning smiled slightly: "I'll accept it and donate it to Qixia Temple. Just say I'm praying for my grandfather's well-being."

“In addition,” Ma He continued, “our people in the army have sent word that several generals expressed concern upon hearing of your return to the palace, and they are ready to serve if Your Highness summons them.”

“Tell them,” Suning closed the ledger, “to get things done! Don’t let your imagination run wild.”

"Yes! Your Highness."

Outside the window, the moonlight was as clear as water.

Su Ning stood by the window, gazing at the imposing palaces of the Eastern Palace.

"This game of chess is getting more and more interesting."

...(End of chapter)